Make This Mediterranean Spice Blend and Use It On Everything

I first had za’atar, a Mediterranean spice blend featuring thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, in Israel, and it was a revelation. This savoury seasoning powder was good on almost everything—from seared lamb to yogurt—and I don’t know why it never occurred to me to just make my own.

According to America Test Kitchen’s new cookbook The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook, you can make your own batch of za’atar by combining 1/2 cup of ground thyme, 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of ground sumac. Once you have it all mixed up, watch the video in the link below for tasty ideas on how to use it. I like it mixed into some good olive oil for dipping, but I’m also a huge fan of sprinkling it over roasted carrots or on my morning bagel (with cream cheese, duh).